Emergency landing 14 aug 1940

[Larry Hickey]

Jim, et al.,

If you enlarge the photo attached with the post above, the W.Nr. is pretty clearly 3347. There is another photo of the full port side of this a/c in the old "Caler Illustrated Series" softcover book: "The Battle of Britain" by Bruce Robertson. This publication dates back to about the 1960s. I've never located an original print of that photo, but when you look at the visible W.Nr., it also appears to be 3347. If anyone has a quality print of the Caler book photo, I'd certainly appreciate a copy, as this may well be a color profile in the EOE Book project for 2./ZG26. I've never seen this particular photo published anywhere else. Incidentally, based upon the W.Nr., this should be a Bf110D-0, which is entirely consistent with the camouflage pattern on the a/c. Based upon the lack of a unit insignia, and the D-0 subtype, this is probably a very recently assigned aircraft.

Based upon Jim's info, we carry this in the EOE loss DB as:

August 13, 1940: "2./ZG26 Messerschmitt Bf110D (3344). Damaged in forced-landing at Molenbeersel, cause not stated. Crew unhurt. Aircraft U8+EK damaged but repairable."

We probably need to change our to W.Nr. 3347. If anyone can pinpoint the actual crash location more precisely than the four sites given: (Haler, Weert and Hunsel/Mollenbercel), this info would be much appreciated. I note that the first three locations are all within about 5 kms of each other in the same general area. The photos show the FL in a cow pasture probably somewhere near these hamlets. Also, does anyone have any information that would permit identification of the crew of this 2./ZG26 a/c?

Regards,